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COMMUNICATIONS 



RELATIVE 



TO THE PROGRESS 



OF 



BIBLE SOCIETIES 



IN THE 



UNITED STATES. 



With other articles of information, exhibiting the progress of 
similar institutions. 



PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE PHILADELPHIA 
BIBLE SOCIETY. 

1813. 



July 19, 1813. 
Copy of a Resolution passed by the Board of Managers of the 
Philadelphia Bible Society. 

''Resolved, That the communication of Messrs. Schermerhorn 
and Mills, laid before the managers at their last meeting, be 
printed, together with a brief summary of the intelligence con- 
tained in the treasurer's report of this day, relative to the insti- 
tution of a Bible Society in Russia." 

The Rev. Dr. Staughton and B. B. Hopkins were appointed 
a committee to carry this Resolution into effect, and were em- 
powered to append to the above communication such other mat- 
ter as they may deem pertinent. Five hundred copies were 
ordered to be printed. 

Copy of a Resolution passed at a Meeting of the Board, Sep- 
tember 20th 9 1813. 

" Resolved, That a compliment of a Bible in extra binding, be 
made to Mr. Schermerhorn, and another to Mr. Mills, as a tes- 
timony of the high sense entertained by this Board, of the exer- 
tions of these gentlemen in promoting the establishment of Bible 
Societies in their missionary tour. ,, 

/ / 07 C 7 
JL9 'A- W 



> 



4^ 



COMMUNICATIONS 



RELATIVE TO THE PROGRESS 



OF 



Bible Societies in the United States. 



Philadelphia, June 29th, 1813. 
Robert Ralston, Esq. 

Dear Sir, 

IN October last, we communicated to you the forma- 
tion of the Ohio Bible Society, and that in order to 
accomplish it, we engaged that the Bible Societies of 
Philadelphia, New York and Connecticut, would each 
present them with one hundred bibles. From yours 
of November, 1812, we were happy to learn that " the 
managers of the Philadelphia Bible Society had agreed 
to furnish the Ohio Bible Society with one hundred 
English, and six French bibles,' y and that you had no 
doubt, there would be a disposition in the Society to 
aid " every new society, as far as it was in their power." 
This information, together with a letter from the Rev. 
Dr. John B. Romeyn, which stated that the New York 
Bible Society had placed at our disposal five hundred 
bibles, was a very great encouragement to us to at- 
tempt the formation of Bible Societies, in the states 



and territories we should visit in the missionary tour 
assigned us. And it affords us great pleasure, that we 
are able at this time to communicate, through you, 
to the Philadelphia Bible Society, the success that has 
attended our exertions. 

In travelling through Ohio, shortly after the forma- 
tion of the Bible Society at Marietta, we found this 
event was hailed with joy by christians of every deno- 
mination, and would receive their generous support. 
Near one hundred and fifty dollars were subscribed 
by a few individuals, at the first formation of the So- 
ciety, and upwards of one hundred more at two places 
where the subject was introduced after preaching. We 
are persuaded, from the well known character of the 
president and other officers of the Society, that through 
the beneficence of the Societies already mentioned, and 
the liberal subscription they obtained, they have al- 
ready disseminated the word of life among many in 
Virginia, Ohio and Indiana Territory. 

In Kentucky we found the Lexington Bible Society 
already in operation; but not in a very prosperous state. 
It was too limited in its operations, and only partially 
known, being confined to Lexington and its vicinity, 
and considered as a Presbyterian establishment by 
many christians of other denominations, and some- 
thing in which they could not unite. It is peculiarly 
injurious to the cause of religion, that party spirit or 
sectarian zeal should ever keep good men from uniting 
heart and hand, in a cause of the purest benevolence— 
the distribution of the scriptures without note or com- 
ment, — and from which all profess to derive those sen* 



timents and practices which keeps them at variance, 
and affect to consider as the only foundation of their 
hopes of happiness in the world to come. In order to 
promote the prosperity of this Society, and the cause 
of religion generally, it was necessary that this opinion, 
hpwever erroneous, should be removed. To this end 
some amendments were proposed to their constitution, 
the object of which was to show more explicitly the 
design of the Society — to embrace, if possible, the co- 
operation of all denominations of christians, and to 
make it a general one for the whole state. Several of the 
officers of the Society informed us, they had no doubt, 
but that the proposed amendments would be adopted 
by the Society, and on condition that this would be 
done, we presented them with an order for one hun- 
dred bibles. 

In West Tennessee is probably organized ere this, 
the Nashville Bible Society, We had not the pleasure 
of seeing this Society formed, before it was expedient 
for us to leave the place for Nachez. We had, how- 
ever, the satisfaction of finding, that many with whom 
we had an opportunity of conversing, approved of the 
object, and promised their aid in the formation and 
support of the Society. When we left Nashville, the 
Rev. Gideon Blackburn assured us he would use 
every means in his power to have the Society speedily 
organized. With the hope and prospect that this 
would soon take place, we ordered fifty bibles for this 
Society, to the care of Mr. Blackburn, and gave as- 
surances of future assistance, on representation of 
their circumstances to the Societies who had already 



exercised such a generous liberality towards the 
Ohio Bible Society. While descending the Mississippi 
with major general Andrew Jackson, and the volun- 
teers under his command, we had frequent conversa- 
tions with the staff and field officers, on the prospect 
of the formation of the Nashville Bible Society, who 
testified their approbation of the design, by subscrib- 
ing upwards of one hundred dollars, to be paid when 
the Society should be organized. To see such a res- 
pect for the word of God, such regard for the good 
of society, and such liberality manifested by the prin- 
cipal officers in the corps of Tennessee volunteers, 
made our hearts to leap for joy. 

The Mississippi Bible Society was formed on the 27th 
of March, 1813, at Nachez. The prospect here at the 
first meeting, was truly discouraging, for not more 
than five persons attended, though notice had been 
given of the time, place and object of the meeting, in 
the newspapers, for near two weeks previous to it. 
But lest the enemy should rejoice at the ineffectual 
attempt to disseminate light and truth among them, 
the few that did attend were persuaded that it was 
necessary that something ought to be done before they 
separated. A committee, therefore, was chosen to 
draft a constitution, and a day appointed for its adop- 
tion. When the day arrived, there was a very respect- 
able meeting of the citizens, among whom we were 
happy to learn, were a number of the officers of the 
general government for the territory; and that his ex- 
cellency governor Holmes was placed at the head of 
the institution. From this, as well as many other in- 



stances which we could relate, we are satisfied that 
nothing but perseverance and energy are necessary for 
securing success to a cause, which has for its object 
the prosperity of Zion, or the happiness of the human 
family. 

The Louisiana Bible Society was formed at New 
Orleans on the 29th of March, 1813. The spirit which 
was manifested at the formation of this Society, far, 
very far, exceeded our most sanguine expectations. 
From the character we had received of the place, we 
were induced to think, if three or four individuals 
could be found who would distribute such bibles as 
might be committed to their disposal, by the Bible 
Societies in the eastern or middle states, that a great 
and very important point would be gained. This opi- 
nion was much strengthened from being informed on 
our arrival at New-Orleans, by Mr. Reis, a baptist 
missionary, that after being there near two months, he 
was unable to give away more than three or four 
French bibles, out of two dozen that had been com- 
mitted to him for distribution. However great the 
discouragement, and small the prospect of success, — 
and these were truly so, when we reflect that there 
was no protestant minister settled here, and perhaps 
never, before last winter, been visited by protestant 
missionaries — the greater was the necessity, and the 
stronger the motives to attempt the diffusion of divine 
light and truth among the people. 

The first step that we took was to call on the prin- 
cipal clergy of the Roman Catholic church, to ascer- 
tain whether they were opposed to the circulation of 



a 



the Sacred Scriptures among their people. To our 
great joy, and their great praise, they assured us they 
had not the least objection to it, and expressed them- 
selves surprised that we could entertain such a sus- 
picion. The bishop, however, observed, that he could 
not recommend to his people, any other than the ver- 
sions authorised by the mother church. To this we re- 
plied, that the versions to be circulated in the English, 
French, and Spanish languages, were the same as those 
distributed by the British and Foreign Bible Society. 
Should these versions, however, prove not to be the 
same as those authorised by their church, he told us, 
that even then he would not secretly or openly oppose 
the distribution of them; though he would be in duty 
bound to say, if asked, they were not the authorised 
versions. The bishop informed us, after having ex- 
amined the French New Testament, that it met his 
approbation, and that a number of copies, if we had 
them, might be immediately distributed in the convent 
of Ursuline Nuns. At this nunnery have been, and 
are still educated the daughters of the principal ca- 
tholic families in Louisiana. 

A subscription paper was now circulated, to ascer- 
tain how many persons would favour the establish- 
ment of a Bible Society. In a short time near fifty 
names were procured, among which were the gover- 
nor's, and many of the members of the legislature, 
which was then in session. On the day appointed to 
organize the Society, there was a general attendance 
of the original subscribers, and the constitution, which 
you have already received, was adopted. As soon as 



- 



it was known through the city that a Society had been 
formed, and a few French bibles were on hand, the 
catholics called for them, and in a very short time the 
two dozen of Bibles committed to the care of Mr. 
Reis, were distributed, and frequent calls every day 
for more. It is not improbable, that in less than two 
weeks two hundred bibles might have been distribut- 
ed; and that among those who perhaps never had seen 
a bible in a language they did understand. 

The general principle we had always in view, in 
the formation of those Societies, was to combine the 
united support and energies of all denominations of 
christians, by whatever name they were known. To 
this end the constitutions of the several Societies allow 
of a great number of managers, at the same time con- 
stituting a limited number, which may easily be con- 
vened, competent to transact the ordinary business of 
the Society. By this means the board of managers 
can always be composed of men of different denomi- 
nations; and if chosen from different parts of the state 
in which the Society is formed, the places most in 
want of the scriptures may be easily discovered, the 
the charity of the Society most properly bestowed, 
and we would hope also, aid to it more generally con- 
tributed. It is but just to observe, that whatever suc- 
cess has attended our exertions in the formation of 
Bible Societies, in a great measure must be attributed 
to the generous donations of the Philadelphia, Con- 
necticut and New York Bible Societies, and to the 
promises of similar aid from them in future, on proper 
representations being made to them. For the first ob- 

B 



10 






jcction we generally found was the want of support 
to such an institution; all were agreed as to the utility 
and importance of the thing itself. This objection was 
removed by being able to present them with a number 
of bibles immediately, and to hold out the prospect 
of future assistance. And this aid we felt in some 
measure authorised to promise, from the cheerfulness 
with which our engagements to the Ohio Bible Society 
had been fulfilled, and from a firm persuasion that it 
can be the only object of Bible Societies to circulate 
the scripture, and that too where they are most wanted. 
Dear Sir, these Societies are tender plants, and re- 
quire much care and attention. Some are planted in 
the barren heath, where little or no water is; still they 
must be watered — frequently and generously watered 
— before many can enjoy their refreshing shade, or 
partake of their blessed fruits. Aware, however, that 
the above Societies had already made very generous 
donations — that calls for their charity were great at 
home, and that particularly the funds of the Philadel- 
phia Bible Society were nearly exhausted, by the pur- 
chase of their stereotype press; we made no promises 
to the Bible Societies in the west of any immediate or 
particular assistance. Neither was it necessary; for in 
addition to the number of bibles already mentioned as 
distributed among these Societies, we have ordered 
one hundred to the Mississippi Bible Society, and one 
hundred and fifty to Louisiana. We trust, however, 
that as the calls for your assistance multiply, your 
means of communicating will increase; and that in 






11 



very deed you may experience the blessing of the pro- 
mise, " he that water eth, shall be watered also himself." 
We have as yet said nothing as it respects the great 
want of the scriptures in the Western country; neither 
can this be fully known, until after the Societies lately 
formed have gone into operation, and made diligent 
search as to these things. It may be observed in gene- 
ral, that there are but few bibles there, except those 
taken out by families religiously educated, who have 
emigrated to that country; and it will be granted that 
such familes bear no great proportion to the whole 
number of inhabitants. There has been no edition of 
the bible printed west of the mountains, and the in- 
ducement to merchants to take out many, very small, 
as will appear from the following anecdote. A mer- 
chant in Tennessee observed during the earthquakes 
in 1811 and 1812, that before these took place, he 
used to sell ten packs of cards where he sold one bible, 
now he sold ten bibles where he sold one pack of cards. 
We have, however, some data from whence we may 
form a general estimate of the great want of the scrip- 
tures in this part of our country. If we are correctly 
informed, the Bible Society of Connecticut has distri- 
buted in New Connecticut, Ohio, five hundred bi- 
bles, and that two or three hundred more would be 
necessary to supply the destitute in this district. The 
population at the time these bibles were distributed, 
was about 16,000 inhabitants. Suppose then, that 
eight hundred bibles were necessary to supply the 
destitute among this number of inhabitants, and then 
it will be found one bible was wanted among every 



12 



twenty souls. This district cannot be supposed, when 
we reflect from whence the settlers chiefly went, to be 
more destitute than any other part of the western 
country; so that we may safely estimate that want of 
the bible in this part of our country, to be as great in 
proportion to the population, as was found to exist in 
New Connecticut. The states of Kentucky, Tennessee, 
Ohio and the Territories of Indiana, Illinois and Mis- 
sissippi, have a free population of upwards of 1,000,000, 
and of slaves about 1 50,000. Now if we suppose those 
destitute of the scriptures in these states and territo- 
ries, to bear the same ratio to the whole number of 
inhabitants that existed in New Connecticut, at least 
50,000 bibles are necessary to supply their immediate 
wants; and we should not be surprised if, on enquiry, 
it was found, that double this number was wanted. 
For it is supposed, and that by those who have taken 
pains to ascertain, that in the state of Connecticut, 
which has a population not exceeding 270,000 souls, 
about 20,000 bibles were wanted to supply the desti- 
tute among them. If the want of bibles is so great in 
a state that has churches and schools, with able teach- 
ers, established in every town, is it reasonable to sup- 
pose, that in those states and territories, where in 
most places they have only occasional preaching, few 
schools, and these poorly supplied with instructors, 
and in many places neither churches nor schools, that 
the want of the scriptures can be less? 

The inhabitants of Louisiana and the territory of 
Missouri, before the United States took possession of 
the country, were entirely Roman Catholics, and we 



13 



know that formerly it never constituted a part of their 
policy to tolerate protestant preachers, or allow the cir- 
culation of the scriptures among the people, and must 
be considered, therefore, as entirely destitute, except 
the few that have been sent there since the cession of 
the country. The bishop at Orleans spoke his mind 
most freely on this subject, and observed that he did 
not believe there were ten bibles among all the catho- 
lics in New Orleans. This is probably correct, for we 
were informed that when the Americans took posses- 
sion of the country, it was not until after long search 
that a bible could be found to administer the oath of 
office; and the one at last procured was a Latin vul- 
gate from one of the priests. This country at present 
contains a free population of 100,000 souls, of which 
about 70,000 are catholics, and slaves about 40,000. 
Many of the protestants, it is to be lamented, are as re- 
gardless of the scriptures as if they had no souls, and 
there was no hereafter; but many also, as appears from 
a letter from S. Hamstead, St. Louis, have not means 
to procure them, and wish that some bibles might 
be sent there. Here also are 70,000 of our adopted 
brethren without a bible— the obstacles which for- 
merly existed to the circulation of bibles among them 
removed, and they eager to receive them. And can 
christians, who have bibles enough, and to spare, 
withhold from them and our other destitute brethren 
in the west, the bread of life? Does charity begin at 
home? Here then is an ample field for the exercise of 
it. Thousands! tens of thousands, sit without a bible 






14 

in a land of Gospel light and liberty. " Tell it not in 
Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon." 

We would suggest to you, whether it would not 
be greatly for the interest of Religion, should the 
Bible Society of Philadelphia, the parent institution 
in America, commence a correspondence with the 
Bible Societies in the Atlantic States, on the subject 
of printing, in union with the Louisiana Bible Society, 
an edition of the French New Testament for distribution 
in Louisiana and Missousi. The French inhabitants 
are upwards of 50,000. It is a fact, however, that not 
more than one out of ten can read; an edition of 5,000 
copies, therefore, would probably meet the present 
necessities of the country. Could not some general 
bond of union be formed among some of the Bible 
Societies for similar purposes, hereafter, for the as- 
sistance and encouragement of new bible societies in 
the country — and particularly for the supply of our 
brethren in the west? 

The Spanish inhabitants are not numerous. Five 
hundred bibles is supposed will be sufficient to supply 
all the Spaniards that can read in Louisiana, and these 
may be obtained from the British and Foreign Bible 
Society. Would it be improper, in some of your com- 
munications to this Society, to suggest, that if they 
design to make any donation to the Louisiana Bible 
Society, it would be most to the interest of the So- 
ciety to receive the amount in Spanish bibles or tes- 
taments? Should the revolutions which are now taking 
place in New Spain and South America, finally ter- 
minate in the establishment of independent govern- 



15 



ments, an event which we look upon as certain, and 
not far distant, the printing of the Spanish bible for 
distribution in those countries, would be a very im- 
portant consideration for the Bible Societies in Ame- 
rica, and its accomplishment form a new and most 
interesting era in their history. 

With our best wishes for the prosperity and welfare 
of the Philadelphia Bible Society, 
We are, 
with esteem and affection, 

your obedient friends and servants, 
SAMUEL J. MILLS, 
JOHN L. SCHERMERHORN. 



ADDRESS. 



The Managers of the Philadelphia Bible Society cherish, with- 
confidence, the persuasion, that their sister societies throughout 
the Union will perceive the importance of the measure recom- 
mended by the Rev. Mr. Schermerhorn and the Rev. Mr. Mills, 
in the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth pages of the preceding 
communication. The circulation of the New Testament through 
a section of country where literally exists u a famine of the word" 
is in a high degree desirable. It will not merely increase a love 
for reading and attempts ro succeed in it, in a country where not 
more than " one out often can read," and in so doing subserve 
the interests of civilization and literature, but may conduce emi- 
nently to the banishing of moral ignorance, error and prejudice, 
and to the diffusion of that light which is the life of the world. 

An edition of five thousand French Testaments would be a 
task, which no individual society, in conjunction with its other 
duties, might be able to complete: but the joint efforts of such 
societies as can spare funds for the purpose, would render the 
measure easy, prompt, and effectual. It would, moreover, present 
a most interesting proof of the unity of the common design, and 
of a disposition to harmonize in every attempt that can embrace 
the honour of the Son of God and the salvation of the souls of 
men. 

An edition of the French New Testament has already been 
printed at Boston There, or in some other of our cities, another 
edition equally fair and accurate can without doubt be produced. 
All that is wanting is funds, nor can it be believed that these will 
long be defective. Mr. Ralston, the treasurer of the Philadelphia 
Society, will with pleasure receive any communications on the 
subject of the desired edition, from Bible Societies in the United 
States, and any. individual contributions which the pious and 
generous heart may be disposed to offer. A wide field for the la- 
bour of christian love, most certainly is thrown open. The cir- 
cumstance will be most happy should an immediate concurrence 
of resources render it practicable to complete the work during 
the ensuing winter. 

G 



APPENDIX. 



Extract of a Letter from Josiah Roberts, Esq., London, to Robert 

Ralston, Esq. 

London, April 19, 1813. 

" Whilst the judgments of the Most High are pouring out 
on different parts of the earth, the sad consequence of man's 
apostacy and rebellion, it is cheering to observe, that mercy in 
its most attractive form is still dispensed. 

In Russia (how marvellous are the dispensations of the All- 
wise God!) a wide and effectual door is opening for the spread 
of the blessed gospel, in its unadulterated state, by the establish- 
ment of Bible Societies on an extensive scale, and under the 
highest patronage — the Emperor himself having undertaken the 
office of patron; and such was the interest excited in his mind, 
that he deferred, for a time, his journey to the head-quarters of 
the army at Wilna, to sign the constitution of the society, adopted 
by the first public meeting held at St. Petersburg. The finger of 
an over-ruling Providence, has been remarkable in every stage 
of the business. Under the sanction of a princess of the empire, 
residing at Moscow (whose heart the Lord had opened through 
the instrumentality of a missionary, since engaged as a teacher 
in her family) the first meeting was to have been held there, 
two days only, before the French entered that devoted city. 
Their approach put a stop to the measures, which would have 
been abandoned for a time, but that the principal agent, on his 
return to St. Petersburg to embark for Sweden, was there de- 
tained by the indisposition of his wife (most reluctantly) for a 
considerable season, and circumstances were so over-ruled, as to 
open a way for carrying the design into execution in that city, 
and under such favourable aspices. Here again we may exclaim, 
this is the Lord's doings and it is marvellous in our eyes!" 



From a Report of the Committee of the British and 
Foreign Bible Society, relative to the progress of the 
Society *s operations abroad. \ 

Translation of a Letter from the Rev. Leander Van Ess, formerly 
Parish Minister of Grevenburg, in the kingdom of Westfihalia, 
and. now Catholic Professor of Divinity at the University of 
Marbourg. 
I have just received from my friend Professor Klaiber, in 

Stutgard, the pleasing news of your arrival in that city, and your 



19 

willingness to purchase 3,000 copies of our New Testament, for 
distribution amongst our poor. I have long had a great de sire to 
apply to you by letter, but your great distance, and the uncer- 
tainty of correspondence, prevented me. The greater was my 
joy, when informed of your being in your native country, and of 
your desire to spread the saving word of the Lord amongst the 
needy of our people. 

I commenced the translation and printing of my New Testament 
in humble reliance on the assistance of God, and with the sincere 
wish to benefit his people It had been nearly frustrated more 
than once, through the opposition raised against it by deluded 
bigots: but, He that gave me the will assisted me in accomplish- 
ing the work; strengthened me his feeble servant, with power 
for the conflict; and enabled me to persevere to the end. The 
first edition of 1 1,000 copies was disposed of in a few months: it 
was published at our own expense; and being desirous to pro- 
mote its circulation by rendering it as cheap as possible, so far 
from gaining by it, we lost, owing to the dishonest dealings of 
some of the booksellers, 300 R. Ds. (about 60/.) Of the second 
edition of our New Testament with standing types, about 7000, 
and of the third edition, with larger types, about 1500 copies are 
disposed of. Almost every one of our free copies has been gra- 
tuitously distributed: we have had many pleasing proofs that 
their reading has been attended with a real blessing: godliness, 
contentment, and consolation, were the visible fruits of it. In 
many a family, in which the reading of the New Testament be- 
came a sacred custom, especially on Sundays and holidays, I saw 
the good seed springing up and ripening for eternity. Now this 
book of books is numbered among the jewels and sacred relics of 
the family. The people become more familiar with its contents; 
and draw from this source instruction and warning, encourage- 
ment and comfort. We beheld the beneficial effects of its intro- 
duction in many schools, conferring blessings on the parents by 
the instrumentality of the children; in some it was distributed as 
a reward for diligence. But in those places, where the attention 
of the people to the New Testament was recommended by the 
Catholic clergyman himself, their eagerness and joy in reading 
it was still greater. I have heard many interesting narratives 
from my fellow clergymen concerning the good effects of scrip- 
ture reading, by which many souls have been turned from vice 
to virtue; from the service of sin to a lively and active faith in 
Christ. Many desponding, harassed by fears and struggling with 
doubts, were cheered, encouraged, and confirmed, seeking peace 
with God and rest of conscience through Christ, or esteeming 
themselves happy in having found Christ in the Bible as their 
salvation and life eternal In other places, where the minister paid 
but little attention to the word of God, I heard people frequently 
saying, " the pure word of God, I read in my New Testament, 
edifies me more than the vain words from the pulpit; might our 
minister but read unto us a portion of the New Testament in- 



2© 



stead of them. 5 * I had lately a conversation with a modern philo- 
sopher, who reduced the doctrine of Christ to a mere system of 
morality, considering his reason far superior to its authority, and 
who exalted virtue at the expense of faith. I handed him my New 
Testament, referring him to the history of Cornelius; who, not- 
withstanding the virtuous life he had led as a heathen, was ear- 
nestly pressea by Peter to believe in Christ and his doctrine He 
went away, read, and returned a convert, with fervent gratitude 
to God and a strong faith in Christ, who had become his all in 
all. With him I praised the Lord for his grace and mercy. Ah! 
and how many do I hear in these heavy times of oppression and 
distress, declaring the happiness they enjoy in the knowledge of 
their Bible, in the midst of all their troubles. If every thing (say 
they) should be taken from us, should we be even forced to part 
with our property and with our children; one comfort remains* 
of which none can rob us, that from the Bibie. 

At the recommendation of some of our clergy, parents present 
their children with a New Testament on their first receiving the 
Holy Sacrament; and it is now a customary present from the 
bridegroom to his bride. 

How often did my heart bleed to behold many coming to me 
from other parishes soliciting the gift of a New Testament, re- 
presenting with tears, their poverty to be so great, that they were 
unubie to spare even the smallest sum for it; and ye' it was not in 
my power to dispense the bread of life to these hungry souls. 
For, in consequence of my gratuitous distribution of almost every 
one of my free copies, too many people applied for me to satisfy 
the demands of all; being obliged to pay for every copy about 
8d. t besides the carriage and binding. My annual income of 230 
rix dollars, (46/.) now hardly sufficing for my own wants; I felt 
deeply grieved, and in the moment of compassion, fancying myself 
richer than I was, often gave more than I could afford The same 
is the case with many of my fellow clergymen, who frequently 
with joy perceive in their flock a thirst after the word of God; 
but owing to their own poverty, and that of their people, are un- 
able to satisfy it. 

The hunger after God's word, and the eagerness to read it, 
keep pace with the increasing distress; but it grieves us that we 
are unable, in the wilderness of the firesent life, to administer to 
them the heavenly manna, to lead the fainting to the source of 
divine comfort. 

It is true, that the New Testament is pretty well distributed 
in our circle; but what are a few copies among so many? they are 
like the five loaves amongst those four thousand that lay at the 
feet of the Lord; they are but drops insufficient to quench the 
general thirst. Here, indeed, is occasion for help; and may the 
great Head of the church multiply this heavenly bread, as he once 
did the earthly, to the satisfying of all. 

The fields are more and more ripening for the harvest, by the 
encreasing oppression of the times. All earthly comforts are 



21 

vanishing from the children of men; ill-treated, robbed, and 
heavy-laden as they are, their eyes full of tears look towards the 
realms above for refreshment and comfort, where alone it is to 
be found. 1 his is the time to work; their hearts humbled and 
softened, are more accessible to diving light and truth; they are 
opening like the dry ground, that languishes for the fertilizing 
shower; their eyes desire to see the salvation offered to them in 
the word of God. 

As to the other parts of the country in which I reside, it is 
really in a deplorable state. In the province of Paderbonn, Tor in- 
stance, hardly the sixth part of the schoolmasters are in posses- 
sion of a Bible or New Testament, much less are they to be 
found in the schools; in Munster and Hiidesheim it is the same. 

Indeed, I have learnt by experience, that the Catholic people 
are more ready to read the Bible, than the elder Ministers are to 
permit or recommend it. For there still continues among our 
clergy, in many places, the pernicious prejudice, that our church 
prohibits to laymen the reading of the Bible; and another as ge- 
neral as the former, that scripture reading produces more harm 
than good among the people. This induced me a few years ago, 
to publish, u Extracts from the Holy Fathers ami other Divines 
of the Catholic Church, concerning the necessity and usefulness of 
reading the Scri/itures, by L. Van Ess;" fourteen sheets, price 
Is., which contain such a mass of evidence in favour of the prac- 
tice out of all centuries, and such a cloud of witnesses, as might 
silence the prejudices abovementioned. In order to make it as 
cheap as possible, that it may be more generally read, and to 
avoid having to do with the booksellers, I undertook the printing 
of it at my own expense, at 8d., to my no small disadvantage. 

Although I had many proofs of its usefulness, yet the enemies 
of truth and of the reading ol the Scriptures, conspired to pre- 
vent it obtaining publicity, because they would not have the bar 
removed, that to many of the Catholics still keeps the Bible 
closed. Thus, it is but little known, and from an edition of 1000 
copies, hardly half of the number is disposed of. In Osnabruck, 
my New Testament is extensively circulating, and has been in- 
troduced into many schools. But that country now being a French 
province, the introduction of the scriptures in any language but 
the French, meets with great difficulties; and it cost us much 
trouble to procure permission from Paris for the importation of 
400 copies. 

My cousin Charles Van Ess in Huysburg, near Halberstadt, 
who is episcopal Commissary in Magdeburg and Halberstadt, 
endeavours to disseminate our New Testament amongst the 
Catholics and schools of that country; and his exertions are evi- 
dently accompanied with the blessing of God. 

May your arrival in Germany be blessed! may it be productive 
of much fruit for the everlasting welfare of multitudes, and con- 
tribute to the advancement of the kingdom of God on earth! 

For Christ's sake, I entreat you to let me have a number of 



22 

our New Testaments for distribution. My sphere of usefulness 
is extending more and more: many worthy clergymen of our 
church join themselves to me; who, with the most lively zeal 
for the cause of the Lord, assist me in my endeavours to do 
good. My request is for. the highest and best gift, even for the 
scriptures of truth, which are able to make men wise unto sal- 
vation. 

I myself am still too poor to do much: the sacrifices I have 
made are really almost too much for me; and I shall be obliged 
to employ the surplus of the income from my future more lucra- 
tive situation at Marburg, for paying off the debts incurred by 
the first edition of our New Testament, and by the purchase of 
many Oriental books, without which I could not undertake the 
difficult task of translating the Old Testament. You see, Rev. 
Sir, I speak to you as to a brother; support me, if you are able, 
in my useful undertaking. I will prove a faithful steward 

I wish soon to be favoured with a letter from you; 1 could wish 
to see you face to fc.ee! Once I trust we shall meet, if not here 
below, yet above, before the throne of the Lamb of God, our 
common Lord and Saviour! 

Your's faithfully and affectionately, 

LEANDER VAN ESS. 
September, 1812. 

From the same. Grevenburg, October 6, 1812, addressed to a 
Friend at Altona. 

Having represented to Mr. Steinkopff the great want of the 
Scriptures among many of my countrymen, and their encreasing 
desire to read them he commissioned me in a letter (dated Stut- 
gard, September 14,) to get an impression of 3,000 copies of my 
New Testament printed without note or comment, for gratuitous 
distribution or cheap sale among poor Catholics, and to employ 
the profits arising from the sale for the purchase and disposal of 
an additional number of copies. f 

Gratitude to God and sacred joy fill my inmost soul at this 
seasonable help. Many were my difficulties and trials, but the 
Lord evidently supports and comforts me by his providence and 
grace. The benevolent aid of the Society is indeed a great encou- 
ragement to me. Blessed be the name of the Lord, and adored 
be his goodness and mercy. 

I need not repeat with what blessing it has pleased God to ac- 
company the reading of my New Testament; I will only add, 
that in the place of my residence, and all the country round, a 
lively desire to read the Word of God is increasing among the 
Catholic people, the blessing of which becomes daily more evi- 
dent. The prejudices of our Clergy against Laymen's reading 

\ The Translation of Mr. Van Ess is made from the original, and ap- 
proved und recommended by leading Ministers in the Lutheran and Re- 
formed Churches. 



23 

the Bible are gradually disappearing; many begin even to pro- 
mote its dissemination. If the Lord grants me life, health, and 
the light of his Holy Spirit, I shall publish a work under this 
title. " Are Catholics confined to the Vulgate? — A critical his- 
tory of the Vulgate." The design of this publication is still fur- 
ther to counteract existing prejudices, and to recommend faithful 
translations from the original. 

Assisted by some friends to the cause of our divine Lord and 
Saviour, I have used my best endeavours to spread the New 
Testment in my native town, and the neighbouring provinces; 
and I thank God, that some who formerly were among its most 
violent opposers, have now become its most zealous promoters. 
Poverty and distress increase among us: many are drawn 
thereby to seek something better; but being scarcely able to pro- 
vide the necessaries of life, and to pay their taxes, they cannot 
spare even a small sum of money for the purchase of a Testa- 
ment. As for me and my friends, our hands are tied, and our 
purses too narrow to satisfy all the claims of the poor, who really 
seem panting for the bread of life. Even the present of 3,000 
Testaments, large as it may be considered, is small when com- 
pared with the multitudes who apply. 

Yet, blessed be God for this most welcome gift, which will 
afford instruction and comfort to thousands. May the Lord, who 
is rich over all, compassionately regard the remaining wants, 
and afford further supplies to the needy and destitute. 

Stimulated by the assistance of your Bible Committee, I feel 
emboldened to attempt, what I long since wished, the formation 
of another Catholic Bible Society; the design of which will be, 
by collecting voluntary contributions, to promote the cheap sale 
and gratuitous distribution of the Holy Scriptures. As soon as I 
shall have entered upon my new office, as Catholic Professor, 
and Pastor of Marburg, and obtained a little leisure time, I shall 
print a plan, begin the correspondence, and unite with active 
friends of Christianity for this beneficial purpose. 

You know that I have been engaged these several years past 
in the translation of the Old Testament, and without consulting 
my private emolument, agreed with the printer to print it at 
fourteen pence a copy. He is desirous to execute the work on 
standing types, (if he meets with the needful support,) which 
would be the more desirable, as this will be the first cheap edition 
of the German Old Testament in our church. I hope to complete 
the translation next year." 



Extract from a translation of a Letter from the Rev. Mr. • , 

Munich^ jiug. 26, 1812; addressed to the Secretary of the Bible 

Society at Bdlse. 

A new impression of our Testament is now printing. If, in 

addition to this, I contemplate the zealous endeavours of Lean- 



24 

der Van Ess, two impressions of whose Testament I have seen, 
and the many other editions, both of the New Testament and the 
whole Bible, which have lately been circulated among Catholics, 
the amount of them all constitutes a large number. 

Yet there remain thousands and tens of thousands, both in 
towns and in the country, who are entire strangers to this Holy 
Book; thousands and tens of thousands, who, having become 
sensible of its value, wish to possess it. Surely here is ample 
scope for benevolence, for Christian zeal. Every possible exer- 
tion ought to be used, that the Word of the Lord may run and 
be glorified; that it may fill all countries, all towns, all villages, 
all houses, all hands; and, what is still more — all hearts: that it 
may penetrate them, prove like a two-edged sword, piercing, 
even to the dividing asunder soul and spirit, and of the joints and 
marrow; that, by its illuminating and enlivening powers, it may 
create a new world, or renew the face of the old corrupt one. 
Whosoever has any thing to give away, whosoever has a full 
purse, let him freely and bountifully distribute, without making 
too anxious calculations. He is using the Lord's money. Recol- 
lect for whom you spend your substance; even for him, who says: 
" Put it to my account, I will repay. You shall receive an hun- 
dred-fold in this world, and, in the world to come, life ever- 
lasting." 

O, thou Word of the Lord, thou blessed Bible, lay hold of the 
"hearts of the rich, who stiil read and regard thee; and incline 
them to employ their w r ealth for multiplying thee without num- 
ber, and dispersing thee through all lands. I should like to ad- 
dress the rich in the words of our blessed Lord: " Make to 
yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, that when 
ye fail they may receive you into everlasting habitations/' 



